5 comments about Aquarium Designs Inspired by Nature.

1. Outstanding book. It helped me visualize the design and layout of my aquarium. An excellent resource for beginners or pros.



2. This book give you more of an idear of setting up aquariums for specific bio types or areas with certain fish and plants. Very good if you want to set up and aquarium with plants and fish and dont quite know where to start and what to do. Even for experienced people you still can learn somthing form this book. Not a stand alone book but partnered with a couple of others is a very good referance .



3. Is java fern found in an Australian river, I don't think so. This book is not accurate!
   All of the aquarium displays are not even mature, probably because most of the plants would be quite unhealthy by the time the display is mature enough to photograph, very unprofessional!
   Another example: there are no mangroves in the mangrove swamp design, Hygrophila corymbosa was used instead with the author stating it is a good substitute for mangroves, what the, right up until the brackish water kills it! What's almost as worse is that the heater is not even hidden in the aquarium background.



4. As an experienced fishkeeper, I can't say I learned a lot from this book. However, I think it is an excellent overall reference for hobbyists above a beginner's level. The pictures are just gorgeous! Each of the 200 pages has at least one or two photos. You will definitely be inspired! The biotopte profiles are in-depth enough, but I feel Hiscock could have better explained how to actually assemble some of the tank features--namely the Chinese Stream waterfall. Although some of the plant types listed do not always "go" with the specified biotope, the finished product looks great and could be easily modified for the purists out there. The only complaint I have is that most of the designs are intended for large tanks. I think you could probably scale down some of the designs, but they might not have the same impact. Regardless, this is a great book for the money!



5. Given the glowing reviews I read on this site, I was somewhat disappointed with the book when it finally arrived. The general information is fine, as far as it goes, if on a rather basic level. I guess what annoyed me most was that the author makes only a half-hearted effort to use plants indigenous to the various biotopes he describes--for example, Anubias, an African genus, finds its way into the Amazon acid pool. Also, the lists of appropriate fishes are fairly sketchy. And maybe I'm alone in this, but I found it odd that none of the finished biotope aquaria are photographed with fish in them!
   
   What I was hoping for was information on a par with that provided on the Italian website www.natureaquarium.it; this book, while pleasant enough, doesn't begin to reach that level of sophistication or specificity.

5 comments about Pet First Aid: Cats and Dogs.

1. This book is informative and easy to understand. My wife works as a pet advisor [...] and recommends it to all of her client. It is extraordinarily important that all pet owners have this book. It covers all emergency situations from insect stings to CPR to seizures.



2. The second worst thing that can happen to your pet is for him to get sick or hurt; the truly worst thing is for you as the pet owner to be totally unprepared when accident or misfortune strikes. This book covers all the basics of first aid care for dogs and cats, from cuts and bee stings to convulsions, choking, and traumatic, life-threatening injuries. Steps to take in any given situation are laid out one at a time, and a number of very helpful illustrations make all of the information as direct and understandable as it can be. The book is arranged alphabetically by first aid topic, so you can always find the information you need quickly and easily. You really don't even have to read the book. Just having it close at hand when something happens to your pet can make a real difference; it can even help save your loyal companion's life. I would recommend reading the book, though, or at least glancing through it. You can learn important warning signs to watch for in your pet's behavior and help catch a problem in its early stages. In cases of real emergency, knowing what not to do can be just as important as knowing what you should do. You would do well to follow the precautionary suggestions the book describes--putting together a pet first aid kit, for example. By no means can or should this book take the place of professional veterinary care, a point which the text emphasizes, but it can help keep your pet healthy and happy.



3. This book is a great help to me when my pets have any bumps or scratches. It is a wonderful source of first aid information that any pet lover should have.



4. This book is so helpful. I think every dog and cat owner should have one. It is so easy to use and can save yourself a lot of money in Vet visits if you're like me and worry about every little thing that might be wrong with your 'baby." I like the glossary and illustrations. I'm getting one as a Christmas gift for all the dog owners in my family. You can't beat it for $8.



5. I couldn't agree more with the previous comment. I would only add that Dr. Bobbie Mammato, the author, conveys her wealth of experience in emergency veterinary care and public health, and makes this an extremely readable and useful text. In fact, why isn't Dr. Mammato credited as the author on your Web site

5 comments about Successful Dog Breeding: The Complete Handbook of Canine Midwifery (Howell Reference Books).

1. This is a great book for people who are just starting out to breed dogs of any type. This book is very informative and it has great pictures to show you how to: I would recommed this book for anyone thinking about breeding. There is so much to breeding dogs and this book tells you the pros and cons of dog breeding. Dog breeding is not for everyone and this book will certanily help you decide if this is something that you want to do.



2. There are some great points and some lacking points made in the book. I appreciated the section where it lists the breeds of dogs and then corresponds the numbers that relate to the diseases and problems of that particular breed. It helps in determining whether the breed's problems are ones that you feel comfortable handling or trying to correct. The book needs more photos, drawings, or sketches as it assumes a higher degree of knowledge on the readers part. I would recommend the book but not as a sole source but only as an additional source as it is not complete and doesn't answer or address many other questions or problems.



3. This book is recommended to individuals who have some knowledge of pet breeding and delivery. The chapter on setting up necessary supplies was extremely pleasant. However, professional breeders may find this book a bit flat with only a modicum of additional information they could add to their repetoire.



4. This book was written 1n 1993.... even though the basics remain the same, there are other books on the subjet like the ones written by Myra Savant-Harris that are 100% more updated.



5. This book gives step by step and detailed instructions on how to handle the many things that can go wrong in whelping a litter. I found it a comforting resource to have around so I know I am as well prepared as I can be for what may come. A must have for any breeder, hobby or professional.

2 comments about Bulldog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. Bulldog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series)
   This is an excellent buy. Definitely to be HIGHLY recommended



2. The cover picture alone would be reason enough to buy this book. The book itself, though, is a very good manual for bulldog owners and has lots of other pictures scattered throughout. A very good purchase.

1 comments about How to Keep Jellyfish in Aquariums: An Introductory Guide for Maintaining Healthy Jellies.

1. I read the book out of curiosity as a volunteer guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Aquarium's jelly collections are a favorite of many visitors and a favorite of mine. Visitors often ask about how we care for jellyfish and sometimes express interest in keeping them at home. I found the book to be very informative and entertaining. Technical details are organized in a way that helped me see the "big picture." Chad Widmar's accounts of the challenges in culturing and caring for various species will add a lot of color to stories I can tell. His description of the food chain (who eats whom) answers a very frequently asked question and will help young visitors see connections between exhibits in a meaningful way. If you have seen jellyfish displayed in an aquarium and are curious about how it is done, whether or not you wish to "try this a home," you will find the book a fun and worthwhile read.

5 comments about German Shepherds for Dummies.

1. I've had this book for two years now and agree with many other reviewers. While the information in the book is helpful in a general sense, the cover picture and title could be changed and it could apply to any dog breed. Really nothing specific about German Shepherds.



2. This is a very good book on the basics of owning a German Shepherd and has many helpful suggestions.



3. I'm new to dog ownership and I just adopted an 18-month old German Shepherd Dog from a local shelter. I wanted to learn as much as I could about dogs, specifically GSD's so I ordered this book. My observations are:
   
   1) The book is informative and covers I wide range of topics, i.e., training, feeding, housebreaking, etc.
   2) This book can be used as a reference guide so you don't need to read the entire book if you just need advice on specific issues.
   3) This book was easy to read and I read the entire book in a few days.
   4) Although I gained some knowledge from this book, many of the items covered I was able to find quite easily on the internet for free.
   5) This book was inexpensive and available through Amazon with free shipping, which is how I got it.
   
   Bottom line: If you don't mind spending a few dollars, this is a nice reference guide to have. Otherwise, you can find this information for free on the internet.



4. I liked this book because it gave me a lot of information on how to take care of a german shepherd and general techniques of what to do if they are sick, what to feed them, etc.



5. I was surprised by all the negative feedback on the book. I really liked it. I know it's not pure, pure, GSD, but dogs are dogs, you're going to run into some overlap.
   
   I wish I had bought the book, before I got my dog, but it was still helpful none the less. I got my GSD from German Shepherd Rescue. The book talks about like programs as well as breeders.
   
   If you're thinking about getting a GSD, I'd recommend the book.

5 comments about Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics.

1. I had only seen the original edition of this book which is a full sized binding suitable for coffee table display. I was disappointed at what arrived, this pocket-sized version. Much of the best material has been edited out and of course the photos are now bite-sized. If you can, look for the original publication which is much more funny and looks like an actual non-fiction publication. The tiny version looks like a cute gag - which is what it has been reduced to.



2. My husband and I are cat people and were thrilled when we received this interesting book as a gift. At first, we were amazed as we looked over the cat's paintings and read about the "artists" histories. However, as we paid more attention to the fine details in the book (i.e. the index and footnotes, etc.), we realized that this book is purely tongue-in-cheek. For example, on the page with the cat mummies, check out the "Egyptian" names listed. One is something like "Fakt Kat." Get it? Faked cat. My husband and I also went and checked out some of the books listed in the bibliography and surprise, none exist. Go through the book and there are other examples, proving that it's meant to be a humorous read.
   
   That said, we enjoyed this book immensely and found it to be pure genuis -- but not for the reasons we initially thought. I highly recommend it.



3. This is a wonderful book, with very nice photos. The art world jargon is very believable. The cats are presented the way typically artists are shown and described by the art establishment.Abstract expressionsim is covered mostly, also you will have examples of installation art. Deliciuos and heart warming!I trully recommend this book, if you are an aillurophile yourself, or want it as a gift for a cat person, or an artist.



4. Several theories of feline art have been put forward over the years, and this volume may serve as an excellent introduction to the uninitiated. Influential feline artists are discussed and their work reprinted in glorious detail. There is, however, a strong bias towards the mainstream of cat art. Important, indeed vital, underground movements are completely ignored. The street art of alley cats is sadly overlooked, perhaps reflecting the authors deference to the curators of that ivory tower, the Museum of Non Primate Art.
   Also lacking is any serious discussion of Queer Theory, so vital in the deconstruction of any mammalian artistic representations.
   Yet in spite of these flaws, Why Cats Paint remains an important and influential volume that no connaisseur of feline aesthetics can afford to ignore.



5. I thought this was a joke at first, but it does look like the evidence is there to suggest the pussies have a sense of aesthetics. These paintings are certainly more than merely territorial markings. I've had several cats myself but never had a cat who made any attempt to paint or create other forms of art. However, that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't possible. Just as some humans are artists, perhaps some cats are inclined that way too? It makes me wonder if there might be cat musicians and cat writers.

5 comments about Wolf Empire: An Intimate Portrait of a Species.

1. I have a deep fascination with wolves and I'm always on the lookout for more to read about them. This book was a gift from my husband, and it didn't disappoint. Barry's writing is friendly, informal, and informative. He is clearly in awe of his subjects and treats them with respect, but also has a sense of humor that makes his text and his photography equally engaging. If you skip over the text, that's fine, because the main attraction is the photography. Barry captures some truly intimate pictures of wolves. They are at once as familiar as domestic dogs and as fierce and mysterious as folklore has always depicted them. The elaborate rankings and rituals of wolf society are depicted and helpfully explained, but what really interested me were the shots that showed the individual personalities that make up a pack, and the pictures of wolves' faces that were so expressive. The stark black and white tones allow you to focus fully on the wolves, but Barry's descriptions of a wolf's eyes or the subtle shading of color in its fur made me wish at least a few pictures had been in color.



2. This is a wonderful collection of images. One of the most beautiful wildlife collection I've seen in a long time. A must for wolf lovers!



3. THIS IS THE BEST OF THE MANY BOOKS I'VE SEEN ON THE DAILY LIFE OF WOLVES. THE PHOTOS ARE GRAND AND MR. BARRY'S WRITING BRINGS YOU INTO THEIR WORLD. IT SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING IN EVERY CLASS ROOM IN THOSE STATES THAT WANT TO HUNT WOLVES AGAIN. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL AGES.



4. This book was awesome, if you're a wolf lover at all you'll love this book. It has great photo's of the wolves lives and their personalities really shine through on each and every page!



5. The pictures were fantastic. A great book for anyone interested or wants to learn about wolves.

2 comments about Yorkshire Terriers (Animal Planet Pet Care Library).

1. Purchased this book before we got our 8 week old Yorkie for Xmas. Book has great information, easy reading, holds your attention and answers any questions you may have from A-Z.
   
   Thanks Animal Planet for putting together such a great reference book.



2. Wonderful book! Everything I needed to know was easily accesible and information was greatly detailed. It's a great book for people that are new to owner a Yorkie. I higly recommend it.

5 comments about Jack Russell Terrier Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. I bought this book for my husband who is a recent member of the JRTC and is planning on raising Jack Russel show dogs. He loved it! Thanks!



2. The Jack Russell Terrier Handbook is like no other book available for the breed. The emphasis is on providing the most in-depth and up-to-date informaton about subjects vital to caring for and living with a JRT, including behavior problems and training, medicine and hereditary health problems, nutrition, genetics, and breeding. Information on fun stuff to do with your terrier, such as training for earthdog competitions or even going hunting, is also included, as are tamer diversions such as agility, racing, and conformation. This is not a book of pedigrees and show-win photos, but a book for people who enjoy the JRT in every facet of its being. Intersperced in the text are lots of color photos of JRTs in action, and tidbits of technical information (Terrier Tech) and facts (Jack Fact). A book for people who want to excel at JRT ownership.



3. The Jack Russell Terrier Handbook is like no other book available for the breed. The emphasis is on providing the most in-depth and up-to-date informaton about subjects vital to caring for and living with a JRT, including behavior problems and training, medicine and hereditary health problems, nutrition, genetics, and breeding. Information on fun stuff to do with your terrier, such as training for earthdog competitions or even going hunting, is also included, as are tamer diversions such as agility, racing, and conformation. This is not a book of pedigrees and show-win photos, but a book for people who enjoy the JRT in every facet of its being. Intersperced in the text are lots of color photos of JRTs in action, and tidbits of technical information (Terrier Tech) and facts (Jack Fact). A book for people who want to excel at JRT ownership.



4. Great book!
   I have read quite a few Jack Russell books and this is very informative and very well written I would recommend this book highly, especially to someone interested in Jack Russells it explains a lot about the breed, showing, feeding, training and just understanding these special dogs. It's a must read!



5. Very good book. informative. I bought a Jack and the book at the same time and the book saved me a lot of headaches. A must have for the jack russell owner, or anyone thinking about getting a Jack. Thanks